Scientists found a type of rare bee, known as the Epeoloides pilosulus, this summer in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The species was thought to have gone extinct, but researchers have found three bees in the species since a 2002 discovery in Nova Scotia, Canada.(Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service)

Bee lovers, rejoice!

(Any of you out there?)

Scientists this summer found a rare type of bee in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest last seen in Wisconsin nearly 110 years ago.

The Epeoloides pilosulus, a type of cuckoo bee, was once widespread across eastern and central North America but was thought to have gone extinct. Then in 2002 scientists found it in Nova Scotia, Canada. Only two of this bee have been found since— in Connecticut in 2006 and in New York in 2014.

Then in mid-July, researchers found three male Epeoloides pilosulus on black-eyed Susan flowers along roadsides in Lakewood, in Oconto County.

Scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service were working to inventory the native bees of the Great Lakes region when they netted the special buggers.

The species is known as a cleptoparasite — it lays eggs on masses of pollen and floral oils collected by another type of bee, the Forest Service said. Researchers have long suspected this bee resided in the Lakewood area but had no proof. They were last seen in Dane County in 1910.

“What a success” for the Great Lakes inventory project “for confirming long-held suspicions by nabbing this special bee species,” scientist Nicole Shutt said in a prepared statement. Shutt leads the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest’s native plant and pollinator program crew.

So next time you’re swatting away a pesky bee in the national forest, “bee” kind to the little guy. He could be pretty unique.